Investigation into the perceptions of employees about people living with HIV in their workplace : a case study of the National Planning Commission, Namibia

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The research study investigates the perceptions of employees about people living with HIV at the workplace; a case study of the National Planning Commission (NPC) in Windhoek. The impact of employees living with HIV at the NPC is that there is potentially a high risk of being stigmatised and discriminated against within the workplace because there is no information about HIV and AIDS nor stigma awareness among the employees. Stigma and discrimination can affect an employee's performance leading to poor services delivery.A descriptive research method was used to analyse the reasons behind the perceptions of employees about people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the workplace at NPC. The questions were answered using face- to- face interviews and questionnaires and analysed. The findings showed that employees perceive HIV and AIDS stigma and discrimination as an issue that affect people living with HIV in the workplace. It was also noted that there are no forums or information sessions about HIV and AIDS taking place at the NPC therefore it is rare to find staff members discussing about HIV and AIDS at workplace. Therefore, NPC should appoint a HIV and AIDS Counsellor or coordinator who will be dealing with problems related to HIV and AIDS, have a HIV and AIDS policy and programme, budget allocation, and have leadership and management supports for the policy and programme implementation.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University